New Life :Leica R lens on Nikon D3

[glenerrolrd]

I learned of this on another thread here. A Spainish company Leitax.com has a new replaceable lens mount that allows for many of the Leica R lenses to be used on a D3 /D700 body. Since I still have several older R lenses that dont sell at $400 ...I decided to try one.

I replaced the mount on the 2nd version of the 180/2.8 . The 67mm version before the release of the APO . Still a fine lens even by today s standards .

it will take me a few days to work through some tests to insure that operationally this makes sense ..but the initial tests look great .

The change out process is described in detail at Leitax.com website including pictures of the lenses they have converted . It took less than 15 minutes to do this and I am not skilled at this type work. I bought the tools recommended and they were perfect for the task.

I started with the 180/2.8 because I had one ,it was a low cost trial(verses say a 80/1.4 or a 100APO). Its also a focal length with few alternatives for a prime .

As I get some images I will try to get a post up to show the potential.

Roger

[atanabe]

Roger,
I am also toying with the idea. From the description, it seems that the process is reversible. I am thinking of doing this with my 180 Apo Telyt. Looking forward to seeing the results!

Al

[glenerrolrd]

Originally Posted by atanabe

Roger,
I am also toying with the idea. From the description, it seems that the process is reversible. I am thinking of doing this with my 180 Apo Telyt. Looking forward to seeing the results!

Al

Al

It appears reversible as there is no cutting or shaving involved . Pretty simple and certainly reversible by a technician . Working on some test shots now.

Roger

[glenerrolrd]

I realize that this isn t much of a test ...but it provides an idea of what the file looked like. Unfortunately the 180:2.8 preAPO version is much slower to focus than the APO version. The flower was at minimum focusing distance and at 2.8 .

[atanabe]

Roger,
Lots of detail from that combo. How much sharpening did you use? The veins of the hibiscus really pop.

I have a D1x that I have been thinking about getting the mount changed to Leica R so that I could use my R lenses till the R10 hits (wishful thinking). Before the Canon slings and arrows start, I like the CCD images from the D1x's lowly 5.47mpx sensor. To me, the files look much better than the Canon files. Yes, I did have a Canon and shot with R lenses adapted to it. I jut did not like the feel of the images off the Canon sensor.

I may have to give this a try.

Thanks,
Al

[glenerrolrd]

Al

I use the Landscape setting on LR 2.2 as my starting point....its 40/.8/50/0...rarely go away from that except to maybe 40/.5/50/0 unless its a portrait. The clarity setting is also important as it acts a unsharp mask does and enhances the midtone contrast ... The only thing perfectly sharp are one row of the yellow flowers.

Its sharp enough to see the focus plane which is less than 2 inches at closest focusing point .

Working on a few to post from the beach.

DigaLloyd just posted a test with the APO 180/2.8 on a D3X ...this must be the champ at the 180 focal length. I use the APO on the DMR ....its too much of a lens for me to screw around with the mount.

Roger

[glenerrolrd]

Illustrations....first is full image...2nd is 1:1 crop of the eye. Look at the lower edge of the eye to see where the focus point starts and ends. This is the pre Apo 180 2.8 at 5.6 .

[Hacker]

Really weird, Leica on Nikon and Nikon on Leica!

[monza]

Do you use focus confirmation and/or have you updated the focusing screen in your D3?

[atanabe]

Roger,
You convinced me, put an order in today. I will be converting a 180 APO Telyt 3.4 to start with.
Al

[glenerrolrd]

I use the focus confirmation but find it unnecessary with the 180 on a D3. The standard screen works fine and it seems even better than the DMR..but maybe thats just the Florida light.

Sharpness is not an issue and comparing the D3/LR to my DMR and M8....I would say the D3/LR is sharper . The D3 doesn t match the color saturation of the DMR or the M8 ..at least I can t get the files to do so in Lightroom. Now maybe with the right camera profile and LR presets ...I can get closer.

The Apo Telyt should be a good test as it has always excelled at creating the deep blues and bright highlights around water.

I ordered two more mounts today.

[gallery7]

OMG!

leica r 21mm super-angulon on my d700?!? can this be done?

[monza]

As long as it is a 21/4

[gallery7]

oh my... i thought this was a pleasant attribute only afforded the canon folks. things have suddenly changed.

[Hacker]

80mm f/1.4 wide open:

[Hacker]

More samples here:

[Hacker]

[Hacker]

[Jorgen Udvang]

Hacker,
These look very nice. They have a very saturated look (my first thought was that they look like film). Is there any post-processing involved?

[glenerrolrd]

Hacker

Now I want to convert my 80/1.4 which I have been saving for the R10(wishful thiking). The only issues with the combination ...to my eye...are the color saturation and tone separation. On the DMR the yellow shirt would have more pop and you would see subtle shading/texture in the color. You can get some of this with your post processing .
If I remember correctly ..the 80lux had a cooler look on K64 than the Summicrons.

Great pictures ..you are lucky to have such a cooperative subject!

Roger

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Jorgen Udvang

Hacker,
These look very nice. They have a very saturated look (my first thought was that they look like film). Is there any post-processing involved?

I generally downsize, then Auto everything in PS. Sharpen a little and Save as JPG.

[deepdiver]

Hi hacker! Great pics..!!
Now I really want to buy Leica 80/1.4 for my nikon DSLR
May I know, what was the Aperture that u used?
I really want to get this lens... however, I already have Zeiss 85/1.4
Zeiss 85/1.4 @F1.4 is not very sharp.
How about this lens ?

Thx u
Andree

[robmac]

Nice shots Hacker. I use the Lux on my 1ds2 and love it. If/when move to Nikon, it's coming with. Never seen such a fast lens in that FL that was so well-corrected for CA and so flare-resistant.

Andree - lens is almost 2 in 1. Softish with nice Madler glow WO-F2. After F2 it sharpens up to 90AA/100APO levels in center frame. very nice gradual shift from out of focus to plane of focus area back to out of focus.

If you hit the respective Leica and Zeiss websites you can download and compare MTFs. See comments above re: CA and flare.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by deepdiver

Hi hacker! Great pics..!!
Now I really want to buy Leica 80/1.4 for my nikon DSLR
May I know, what was the Aperture that u used?
I really want to get this lens... however, I already have Zeiss 85/1.4
Zeiss 85/1.4 @F1.4 is not very sharp.
How about this lens ?

Thx u
Andree

All were wide open at f/1.4. For pictures on lenses, I generally shoot wide open to see how they perform. Of course, I do shoot at other apertures . I shot against tress and sky and did not notice any CA or PF. I think the ZF is very sharp, perhaps the focusing is out slightly? Anyway, I'm so surprised that the D700 has focus confirmation, howbeit in the opposite direction of the arrow indicators which can be confusing. For me, I'm really an M shooter, but sold the 75 Lux to get this lens. I think the signature of this lens can only be seen at its best at full frame. I guess the only alternative is the DSLR as there is no FF rangefinder camera yet.

I will be converting the 100 APO also. Will be testing it soon.

[Hacker]

Some old shots of the M8 + 75mm Summilux f/1.4. The signature is very similar, no doubt due to sharing the same lens design (and designer):

[Erik Five]

The conversion is reverseble. Therefore you can save it in F mount until the R10 hits the streets

Originally Posted by glenerrolrd

Hacker

Now I want to convert my 80/1.4 which I have been saving for the R10(wishful thiking). The only issues with the combination ...to my eye...are the color saturation and tone separation. On the DMR the yellow shirt would have more pop and you would see subtle shading/texture in the color. You can get some of this with your post processing .
If I remember correctly ..the 80lux had a cooler look on K64 than the Summicrons.

Great pictures ..you are lucky to have such a cooperative subject!

Roger

[David K]

Great stuff guys and is certainly opens intriguing possibilities...

[Hacker]

Leica 80mm Summilux-R f/1.4 (F-Mount) @ f/1.4:

[deepdiver]

Hi hacker
Thx u for the information.
Now I really want Leica 80/1.4
I have been using Zeiss 85/1.4 for a while, and I can tell u for sure at @F1.4 Zeiss 85/1.4 is not sharp. It's a bit hazy ( i tried 2 copy already)
I guess the heavy price tag on leica 85/1.4 is really worth
If I want to buy Leica 80/1.4, it means I need to sell all my Zeiss ZF lens! (to get $4000) hahahhaa

This is a poison for me

[Erik Five]

I paid 800$ for my 80 Lux non ROM. Wear to the outside, but pristine glass. I bought it from Adorama...

Originally Posted by deepdiver

Hi hacker
Thx u for the information.
Now I really want Leica 80/1.4
I have been using Zeiss 85/1.4 for a while, and I can tell u for sure at @F1.4 Zeiss 85/1.4 is not sharp. It's a bit hazy ( i tried 2 copy already)
I guess the heavy price tag on leica 85/1.4 is really worth
If I want to buy Leica 80/1.4, it means I need to sell all my Zeiss ZF lens! (to get $4000) hahahhaa

This is a poison for me

[beamon]

Originally Posted by Hacker

I will be converting the 100 APO also. Will be testing it soon.

I have the 100mm Macro Elmarit also. It is now under consideration by a chap for purchase. If he decides against it I may well convert it for my D700, thus am looking forward to your test with it.

[blakeslo]

Hacker, you owe me ~$1200 for the 80mm 1.4 , those shots have convinced me. Good work!

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by beamon

I have the 100mm Macro Elmarit also. It is now under consideration by a chap for purchase. If he decides against it I may well convert it for my D700, thus am looking forward to your test with it.

I have just converted the 100mm Elmarit, so I will take some shots this weekend.

Originally Posted by blakeslo

Hacker, you owe me ~$1200 for the 80mm 1.4 , those shots have convinced me. Good work!

Post some pictures, would love to see them. Your price seems pretty decent if it is a Mint copy.

Stephen

[blakeslo]

As soon as the Nikon mount is in stock for my 80mm again i will! Yeah im really anal about my equipment being mint so i paid a small premium to get a good copy. I keep my equipment for many many years so it seemed like a good investment. Hey thanks for the Flickr add ps, good work.

[t_streng]

looks really good!
I just bought a 100 Macro and ordered the Leitax Nikon mount. This opportunity is great and for lenses where you dont need/ want AF I think its great at what prices you can buy Leica R lenses today.
I am looking forward how good the lens will work on my Nikon.
Cheers, Tom

[Hacker]

I think the 80mm, 100mm, the 90mm APO, the 50mm Cron and the 180mm f/2.8 APO are must have lenses for Nikon users.

[Erik Five]

Originally Posted by Hacker

I think the 80mm, 100mm, the 90mm APO, the 50mm Cron and the 180mm f/2.8 APO are must have lenses for Nikon users.

And Canon

[robsteve]

Has anybody tried the new 28mm Elmarit-R yet? I see the Leitax site has an older 28mm Elmarit converted, but not the newer version.

Robert

[Stuart Richardson]

I ordered one of these and will be converting my 180mm f/2.8 APO ROM...we'll see. One question I have is whether the screws in the lens mount have anything keeping them tight...are they using lock-tite or something like that? Or can you just unscrew them? Also, my lens was serviced once and it appears to have a slightly stripped screw. Is there any particular technique to get one of those out if it doesn't just come out on its own?

[glenerrolrd]

The 180apo is probably my favorite lens on the DMR . The Apo version has an amazing focusing system that allows you to follow focus on a moving subject. Will be interested in your experiences covering the apo version. The pre apo version that I converted was easy . I would recommend buying the tools from Leimax as well . They are inexpensive and work perfectly.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Stuart Richardson

One question I have is whether the screws in the lens mount have anything keeping them tight...are they using lock-tite or something like that?

No stuff like lock-tite or its equivalent. Really easy actually.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Erik Five

And Canon

Of course....

[robmac]

Stuart:

If the right sized screwdriver (more important than many people think) and firm pressure won't work, there is a liquid grip-aid that can be used on the screwdriver tip. If that doesn't work (iffy), there are readily-sold stripped-head screw removers (they bite into the screw head) that can be used. The latter should work. Sold at any hardware store.

Worst case, a machine shop (or you) can use a small left-hand twist drill bit - that WILL work. I removed some doozies with them. Use the drill in reverse at very slow speed in the center of the screw head and with firm pressure until it grabs. The bit bites into the screw head, grabs it and starts the unscrewing process (as drill is going in reverse) . If you have a friend hold lens, you might even be able to do it with the bit mounted in a cordless drill and you twisting the chuck by hand - maybe. It just needs to bite in enough to get a grip on the head.

Once starts to come out, stop and unscrew with fingers or needle nose pliers if need be. Sold at some better tool stores - worst case a machine tools supply shop.

Phillips head (vs Robertson, hex, torx., etc) machine screws are the bane of mechanics globally. Wrong-size screwdriver used with a bit of carelessness/and or not enough pressure and it cams-out and strips the head.

[Hacker]

Tried the 100mm APO wide open, 1/30s:

[Bob]

Originally Posted by robmac

Stuart:
...
If you have a friend hold lens, you might even be able to do it with the bit mounted in a cordless drill and you twisting the chuck by hand - maybe. It just needs to bite in enough to get a grip on the head.

This sounds potentially dangerous to me. A slip could cause an injury.
-bob

[Stuart Richardson]

Thanks for the advice Rob -- I hope it does not come to that! I will see if I can get it out. If not, I will take it to the local leica repair guy and just have him do it. It's too expensive of a lens for me to muck about with.

Hacker -- What is that you have there?

[robmac]

Nah, since twisting by hand, may a small cut (or two) ;>

If there's a dealer nearby - far better idea. They'll have the tools and jigs/clamps to hold everything if it comes to that.

I believe Hacker shoots with the D700? Like the look the R's draw on the Nikon - very nice.

Originally Posted by Bob

This sounds potentially dangerous to me. A slip could cause an injury.
-bob

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by Stuart Richardson

Hacker -- What is that you have there?

I was at the dealer to collect my Fujinon L 5cm f/2.8 (sent for CLA) and took the shot with the 100mm APO. I think it was a vintage microscope. I can check again when I'm in again.

[Hacker]

Lux 80mm @ f/1.4:

[Hacker]

More shots from today @ f/1.4:

Triplet #2:




Triplet #3: